5 famous footballers who attacked fans

Patrice Evra recently landed in a spot of trouble after attacking a fan

In a game of high stakes, winning or losing matters a lot. Players and fans get irate when decisions go against them. Most of them take it lightly while others don't. We have frequently seen players show their frustration against not just other players, but also against referees. This is acceptable to some extent, but there is a limit.

But, things get ugly sometimes when players show their anger towards the fans. Attacking a fan is completely unacceptable in any form of professional sport and football is no different. Severe punishment awaits the offender and their career is at stake.

Let's take a look at 5 famous footballers who attacked the fans in the stadium:

#1 Craig Bellamy (Manchester City)

Bellamy attacking a United fan during Manchester Derby

Sparks always fly whenever Manchester United play their arch-rivals - Manchester City. This incident happened during the Manchester derby in 2009. In a heated game at Old Trafford, it was all square at 3-3 after 90 minutes. But Michael Owen had other thoughts as he scored the injury-time winner to seal the contest 4-3 in United's favour.

As a celebratory run, a male Manchester United fan invaded the pitch from United's home section. Stewards had the situation under control, but Craig Bellamy lost his cool. He went straight to the fan and slapped him in the face.

No complaints were filed against him, but Craig Bellamy was investigated by the Manchester Police and the Football Association (FA) launched an investigation on him. They later decided against charging the player with improper conduct, as the match referee Martin Atkinson gave his vote to Craig Bellamy.